National Baking Week

National Baking Week is observed October 14–20 in the United Kingdom each year. It’s a week devoted to celebrating baking in all its forms—encouraging people of every skill level to try their hand at making breads, cakes, cookies, and other treats, and to share that joy with others.

History of National Baking Week

National Baking Week was launched in 2007 by Pyrex, along with other baking‑oriented companies, as a way to inspire people across Britain to bake at home, emphasizing that baking is accessible even to novices. Over the years it has been supported by bloggers, recipe authors, retailers, and media alike, often coinciding with events or programming (for example, capitalizing on the popularity of baking shows) to amplify engagement.

Though born in the UK, the spirit of National Baking Week—celebrating home baking, sharing recipes, and encouraging creativity—resonates broadly. Even outside the UK, many groups or individuals use this week as an invitation to gather, bake, and connect through food.

Why is National Baking Week important?

In many homes, baking has become more of a specialty activity than a routine one. National Baking Week gently invites us back to the kitchen, reminding us that baking can be a form of creativity, an inexpensive pleasure, and a way to slow down. It can heal the disconnect between us and everyday food processes, turning flour, yeast, sugar, and eggs into experiences rather than just ingredients.

Moreover, baking is inherently social. Baked goods are meant to be shared—over tea, in lunchboxes, with neighbors, or gifted to friends. This week reinforces how food connects people across generations, across communities, and even across cultures. It reminds us that the home kitchen is a place of both sustenance and sentiment.

• It encourages people who rarely bake to try something simple
• It highlights baking as a way to bring people together
• It gives small businesses and local bakeries a spotlight
• It invites experimentation and creativity in the kitchen
• It supports preserving and passing on family or regional recipes

How to Celebrate National Baking Week

You don’t need to plan a big event; even one batch of cookies or a small loaf of bread can honor the spirit of this week. Choose a recipe you’ve been curious about and commit to making it—don’t worry about perfection; focus on the fun of mixing, smelling, and learning. Share the outcome (good or less so) with friends, family, or neighbors. The act of sharing builds connection and spreads joy.

If you want to expand, consider hosting or joining a small baking gathering. Invite a few people to bake together, swap recipes, or turn it into a simple bake sale for a cause. Local bakeries or cafés might join in by featuring special items, discounts, or demonstrations. On social media, you can share photos, recipes, or behind‑the‑scenes of your process using hashtags like #NationalBakingWeek or #NBW.

• Bake a simple recipe you haven’t tried before
• Share your baked goods with neighbors or friends
• Host a mini bake‑along session
• Visit a local bakery and support them
• Post your baking journey or favorite recipe online

National Baking Week Dates Table